Impact Decision Support Services in the Arctic – A Case Study

Abstract:

The National Weather Service Alaska Region’s (AR) Regional Operation Center (ROC) provided weather and ice decision support services for the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) oversight of Royal Dutch Shell’s exploratory drilling operations in the Chukchi Sea during the summer and early fall of 2015. The AR ROC, coordinated input from WFO’s Anchorage and Fairbanks, the NCEP/Ocean Prediction Center and Climate Prediction Center, and NOAA’s National Ice Center.

Briefings began in early Spring 2015, focused on melt-out and freeze up dates in the vicinity of the “Burger” drill site. Initially packages were prepared and briefed twice weekly. The frequency increased as the drilling season progressed, and included marine and aviation weather forecasts, current and forecast sea ice conditions as it impacts vessels and aircraft transiting to and from the drilling sites in the Chukchi Sea. Spot forecasts are also available for specific missions as needed.